Don Carter State Park

The only state park on Lake Lanier, at the lake’s north end, with boat ramps, a sand beach and 14.5 miles of trails shared by hikers and horseback riders.

Don Carter State Park hours

• Park: 7 a.m.–10 p.m.
• Office: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

What it costs

• Parking: $10 per vehicle per day, or a $70 annual ParkPass that works at every Georgia state park. Overnight guests pay the daily fee once per stay; parking is not included with a reservation (Georgia State Parks ParkPass page).
• Equestrian: The daily trail fee is $15.00 per rider in addition to a parking pass. Please visit the park office to record proof of negative Coggins.

Where it is and how to get in touch

• Address: 5000 North Browning Bridge Road, Gainesville, GA 30506
• County: Hall (North Georgia region)
• GPS: 34.38762, -83.74646 (directions in Google Maps)
• Park: 678-450-7726
• Reservations: 800-864-7275
• Official page: gastateparks.org/DonCarter

Dogs and strollers

• Dogs: Georgia State Parks welcomes pets on a leash no longer than six feet, with the owner at all times. Pets are not allowed in park and historic site buildings, lodges, yurts, group camps, swimming areas or beaches (park rules).
• Strollers: the park does not publish stroller rules. Paths range from paved walks to rough trails, so call ahead (678-450-7726) if you need a stroller-friendly route.

What’s at Don Carter State Park

Facilities the park lists: 38,000 Acre Lake Lanier; 8 Cottages; 44 Tent, Trailer & RV Campsites; 16 Primitive Tent Campsites; 4 Picnic Shelters; Boat Ramps; Docks; Fish Cleaning Station; Sand Beach; Playground; Outdoor Fitness Equipment; Gift Shop.

Things to do: Biking; Boating — private boats permitted; Educational Programs; Fishing; Hiking — 14.5 miles of trails; Horseback Riding (trail fee, weather permitting, check for availability) — 14.5 miles of trails; Paddling — 8 miles of trails; Picnicking; Swimming; Water Skiing; Kayak, Paddleboard & Aquacycle Rentals — seasonal.

Accessibility: this site lends an All-Terrain Georgia Action Trackchair (free, reserve ahead). How to book: free all-terrain wheelchairs at Georgia state parks.

Events coming up near Don Carter

• On now through Nov 1: Helen Oktoberfest, Helen (about 22 miles away, free to $25)
• Oct 23: Night of the Living Safari, Cleveland (about 15 miles away, free)
• Oct 23 – Oct 25: Mountain Moonshine Festival, Dawsonville (about 21 miles away)
• Oct 24: Mountain Farm Celebration, Sautee Nacoochee (about 21 miles away, from $8)
• Oct 30 – Nov 1: Boo at the Zoo, Cleveland (about 15 miles away)
• Oct 31: Braselton Halloween Carnival & Parade, Braselton (about 19 miles away)

Events within 30 miles in the next 90 days from our Georgia event calendar, as of October 20, 2026; distances are straight-line from the site’s GPS point. The park’s own ranger programs and events are on the Georgia State Parks events calendar.

Nearby state parks and historic sites

• Dahlonega Gold Museum State Historic Site (state historic site, Lumpkin County), about 17 miles away
• Hardman Farm State Historic Site (state historic site, White County), about 21 miles away
• Smithgall Woods State Park (state park, White County), about 21 miles away
• Unicoi State Park & Lodge (state park, White County), about 23 miles away

More on It’s Georgia

• All Georgia state parks and historic sites, by region
• Georgia state parks compared: hours, parking, dogs and free accessibility equipment in one table
• North Georgia: more places to go in the region

Source: the Don Carter State Park page on gastateparks.org (Georgia Department of Natural Resources), checked October 20, 2026. Hours and fees change, so check the official page before a long drive. Spot something out of date? Tell us and we will re-check it.

Cite this page: It's Georgia, “Don Carter State Park”, itsgeorgia.com/places/don-carter-state-park/ (updated 2026-10-20). Free to quote with attribution and a link to this page.